Cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice of nurse practitioners in local public health departments in North Carolina

Abstract

This study discusses the findings from a survey of the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice regarding cancer prevention and early detection of 101 nurse practitioners (NPs) working in the 87 county public health departments in North Carolina. Results show that nurse practitioners provide breast and cervical cancer screening services for most women over age 40 but are less likely to provide other types of cancer prevention, such as smoking cessation counseling or education about diet and cancer. NPs tended to rate their clinical skills in providing cancer screening as excellent but rate their skills in educating clients about cancer risk lower. Most NPs were interested in practice related to cancer control, especially learning more about the latest recommendations on cancer. However, in this study they indicated the least interest in learning more about smoking cessation methods or cancer prevention issues for men. These findings suggest that NPs in public health need further education and skills training related to cancer control, in addition to breast and cervical cancer screening.